The Secretariat of the Navy (Navy), through the Mexican Navy, acting as the Coast Guard, reports that naval personnel seized approximately 1,170 kilograms of alleged cocaine, achieving the arrest of six people, securing a smaller vessel, fuel and communication equipment, during a maritime surveillance operation carried out approximately 460 nautical miles (851 kilometers) south of Acapulco. Guerrero.
The action was carried out during patrol and maritime surveillance tours, through which naval personnel located a smaller vessel with three outboard motors, in which six crew members were traveling, of which three are of Mexican nationality and three of Ecuadorian nationality.
As a result of the inspection, 39 packages containing approximately 1,170 kilograms of alleged cocaine, a small boat equipped with three outboard motors, 49 drums with approximately 2,450 liters of fuel, three satellite communication equipment and two radio beacons were seized. The six people who were on board the boat were also arrested.
Within the framework of the National Security Strategy and in coordination with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the detainees were informed of their rights under the law and, together with what was secured, they were placed at the disposal of the agent of the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, who will integrate the corresponding investigation files and determine their legal situation.
With these actions, the Ministry of the Navy, through the Mexican Navy, in coordination with the SSPC and FGR, reaffirms its commitment to strengthen maritime surveillance operations to inhibit the activities of organized crime, combat illicit drug trafficking and contribute to the maintenance of the rule of law and the security of Mexicans.
De Ruyter Prepares for Potential Hormuz Mission
As of August 5, the air defense and command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter houses a multinational staff. This is done in order to be able to prepare well for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius reported this to the House of Representatives today.
The Netherlands is part of an international coalition that is planning the Multinational Military Mission for the Strait of Hormuz (MMM-SOH). The coalition is led by France and the United Kingdom. Bringing headquarters on board is the next step in preparation for a possible military mission.
Minister Yeşilgöz: “I am proud that our international partners are looking to our frigate HNLMS De Ruyter for such an important task. After all, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes in the world. Problems there also affect the Netherlands, for example through higher prices. That is why we are preparing well together with allies.”
Mission not yet activated
HNLMS De Ruyter is already sailing in the region. The air defense and command frigate is ideally suited for the multinational staff to direct the ships of coalition partners. For the time being, the staff is involved in planning joint exercises, among other things. These are in preparation for a possible deployment in the Strait of Hormuz.
The minister emphasizes that the Strait of Hormuz operation has not yet been activated. The cabinet has also not yet made a decision about possible Dutch participation.
Aspides and Atalanta
During the voyage, HNLMS De Ruyter shares observations with naval units that are part of European Union operations. These are Aspides (in the Red Sea and surrounding maritime areas) and Atalanta (around the Horn of Africa). The frigate makes observations when it sails through these waters during the preparations for the operation in the Strait of Hormuz, even though HNLMS De Ruyter is not part of the command structure of both missions.
HNLMS Willemstad
Minehunter HNLMS Willemstad previously joined the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2. This fleet focuses on mine warfare in the Mediterranean. At the moment, several minehunters from coalition partners are already in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. The Willemstad will remain available for use in this strait as soon as the green light is given.